Professional Experience
I have been fortunate enough to gain several years of professional experience working with both Aboriginal and mainstream agencies. In more recent years I have worked extensively with Aboriginal communities and organizations in the areas of culture and art, community development, communications, healing and wellness, and community and arts-based research. As a community activist, I have worked with various communities to secure over $450,000 in government grants for projects related to cultural arts revival and resurgence, youth empowerment, culturally relevant health and educational resources, community health, and traditional arts. I also have experience working in government relations, issues management, and alternative dispute resolution.
Selected agencies I have worked with:
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- Dilico Children's Foundation
- University of Victoria
- Royal Roads University
- Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada
- Ontario Arts Council
- Nishinawbe Aski Nation
- Nishinabe Aski Legal Services
- As well as Several First Nation communities in Ontario and British Columbia
Selected agencies I have worked with:
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- Dilico Children's Foundation
- University of Victoria
- Royal Roads University
- Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada
- Ontario Arts Council
- Nishinawbe Aski Nation
- Nishinabe Aski Legal Services
- As well as Several First Nation communities in Ontario and British Columbia
Research in a Professional Context (Funded)
2011 (PRINICAL RESEARCHER/Facilitator) SEE US, HEAR US initiative (Dilico Children’s Foundation, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $65,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A four month project that blends principles of photovoice and traditional Anishinabek methods of sharing, involving 30 youth in Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58 First Nations. The aim of the project is to empower communities through the creativity of their youth to communicate key issues and potentials to internal and external stakeholders; thus, inciting community action.
2009 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Wenewi Bimaadiziwin Project (Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $80,000 grant from the Local Health Integration Network for the development of a culturally relevant and sensitive health education projfect aimed at reducing the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations. Lead this project through to completion, which involved the collaboration of First Nation members in six (6) communities. Wenewi Bimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) blended traditional storytelling, factual information, imagery, and song in order to produce research findings and practical resources grounded in culturally sensitive and traditional ways of sharing information.
- $65,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A four month project that blends principles of photovoice and traditional Anishinabek methods of sharing, involving 30 youth in Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58 First Nations. The aim of the project is to empower communities through the creativity of their youth to communicate key issues and potentials to internal and external stakeholders; thus, inciting community action.
2009 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Wenewi Bimaadiziwin Project (Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $80,000 grant from the Local Health Integration Network for the development of a culturally relevant and sensitive health education projfect aimed at reducing the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations. Lead this project through to completion, which involved the collaboration of First Nation members in six (6) communities. Wenewi Bimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) blended traditional storytelling, factual information, imagery, and song in order to produce research findings and practical resources grounded in culturally sensitive and traditional ways of sharing information.